2We are writing to God’s holy people in the city of Colosse, who are faithful brothers and sisters1:2 Greek faithful brothers. in Christ.

6This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.

7You learned about the Good News from Epaphras, our beloved co-worker. He is Christ’s faithful servant, and he is helping us on your behalf.1:7 Or he is ministering on your behalf; some manuscripts read he is ministering on our behalf.

8He has told us about the love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you.

9So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.

10Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.

11We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy,1:11 Or all the patience and endurance you need with joy.

12always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.

13For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son,

14who purchased our freedom1:14 Some manuscripts add with his blood. and forgave our sins.

21This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions.

22Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.

23But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it.

28So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect1:28 Or mature. in their relationship to Christ.

29That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.